Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a commonly occurring infection of the skin which is caused by fungus. The medical name of this condition is known as tinea pedis. It is a fungal infection which primarily affects the skin on the feet. It is a contagious condition. It might also spread to the toenails and the hands. The disease is named as athlete’s foot because it mostly affects athletes. This is not a serious condition but sometimes it can be hard to cure.

Any condition that causes inflammation of the skin and affects the skin between the toes and the sole of the foot is generally referred to as athlete’s foot. The condition presents itself as scaly, red and raw looking eruptions and sometimes it might also be oozing with small blisters. It can affect both athletes and non-athletes alike. It is caused fungal infections but there might be other causes also which can be distinguished through proper testing.

There are different kinds of fungi that might be responsible for causing athlete’s foot. Exposure to these fungi can happen at many places which include swimming pools, gyms, communal showers, locker rooms, nail salons and from contaminated clothing from an affected person. It is a contagious disease and can spread from contact from affected individual to non-affected individual. Majority of the people contract this disease by walking barefoot at the place where someone suffering from athlete’s foot has also walked barefoot. Some people can be more at risk than others for the disease while others might be resistant to the condition. This condition is also known by the name ‘Jungle Rot’. This is usually used by the members of the armed services serving in tropical climates.

Infections caused by different fungi are spread by moisture and warmth. It is believed that the condition of athlete’s foot was less prevalent before the advent of enclosed shoes. It was thought to be a rare condition and became more prevalent in the 1900s as more and more health clubs and shoes became popular. If an individual contracts this disease once, it does not guarantee resistance from subsequently occurring infections.

Globally, this condition occurs in about 15% of the population. Males are more likely to develop this disease than females. Older children and younger adults are more often affected. This condition is treatable by the use of over the counter antifungal medicines. Prescription medicines are also available.

What does athlete’s foot look like?
Athlete’s foot caused by fungal infections leads to rashes on one or both the feet and can also affect the hands. Marks or rashes on two feet and one hand is a common characteristic of the presentation of athlete’s foot especially in men. Fungal athlete’s foot can also cause ringworm of the groin which is mostly seen in men or can cause ringworm on the hands. The fungal infections on the hands are known as tinea manuum. All areas affected by fungal infection should be treated simultaneously to decrease the risk of re-infection.

Risk factors of Athlete’s foot-
Some risk factors for developing athlete’s foot include walking barefoot in areas like communal showers, indoor swimming pools, locker rooms etc. which can lead to increased exposure to pathogenic fungi which are the cause of athlete’s foot. Individuals with the problem of excessive sweating or other sources of excessive moisture is also a common risk factor. Wearing occlusive footwear like trainers and socks can also prove to be a factor. People suffering from diabetes are also more prone to the disease. Pedicures when done in unhygienic environments can cause significant risk. Wearing the same socks and shoes for long periods can also lead to the development of athlete’s foot. Men are more at risk than women for this condition.

Athlete’s foot Symptoms-

Athlete’s foot can be demarcated into 4 categories namely, Plantar with plantar referring to the sole of the foot, interdigital athlete’s foot which means between the toes, acute ulcerative tinea pedis that leads to the development of lesions with scaly borders and vesiculobullous athlete’s foot which causes fluid filled lesions.

When interdigital athlete’s foot is caused by Trichophyton rubrum, the condition might be symptomless or may show signs such as itching, appearance of red or ulcerative skin between the toes which might or might not be itchy. An acute type of ulcerative interdigital athlete’s foot which is caused by T. mentagrophytes shows signs such as pain, erosion and fissures on skin, skin maceration, crusting of the skin and odor because of secondary bacterial infection.

Plantar’s athlete’s foot caused by T. rubrum shows signs such as appearance of redness on the sole of the foot which is often covered by fine, flaky scales. In case of vesiculobullous athlete’s foot is generally very rare and is caused by T. mentagrophytes and shows signs of itchy blisters on the soles of the foot.

General symptoms of the disease include itching, burning and stinging sensation between the toes, itchy blisters on the feet, dryness of the skin on the soles and the sides of the feet, discoloration of the toenails, raw skin on the feet, itching, stinging or burning sensation on the soles of the feet, pulling away of toenails from the nail bed, cracking and peeling of the skin generally between toes and on the soles of the feet, thick or crumby toenails etc.

Causes of Athlete’s foot-
Athlete’s foot is a form of dermatophytosis which refers to fungal infection of the skin which is generally caused by dermatophytes, fungus living in the layers of the skin and digesting keratin. These fungi which are parasitic in nature thrive in human hosts. The fungus that is related to the development of ring worm and jock itch is associated with causing athlete’s foot. Moisture providing places like damp socks and shoes provide a favorable condition for the fungi to grow. Exposure to the fungus is mostly through direct contact with a person infected by the disease or through coming in contact with places contaminated by the fungus. Showers, indoor swimming pool decks, locker rooms would be the most likely places to contract this disease.

Diagnosis of Athlete’s foot-
The most reliable and the best way to diagnose athlete’s foot is to recognize it’s causes and symptoms. Fungal athlete’s foot is very easy and straight forward to diagnose and treat. Getting the fungus removed from the foot is a very easy and cost-efficient process. The patient should immediately see a doctor if their rashes look infected and they have diabetes, the rash has changed into ulcers or sores that leak liquid or if the infection has spread to their groin or hands. If the rash just won’t go away or the symptoms get worse the doctors might suggest a biopsy. A skin lesion potassium hydroxide (KOH) exam is a very common test conducted by the doctors for athlete’s foot. A skin lesion is an unusual change on the skin’s surface. The doctors might order a KOH exam if they suspect fungus to be the reason for the skin lesion. The doctors will use a slide of glass or some other instrument to scrape off a bit of the skin from the patient’s lesion. The scraped skin is then mixed in with potassium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide will destroy the healthy skin leaving behind only the fungus for the doctors to examine. The test is very simple and straightforward and has no risks to it.

Athlete’s foot Treatment-
It is advised to get athlete’s foot treated as soon as a person notices any symptoms. Athlete’s foot can be treated by medications, home remedies or therapies. The treatment for the foot infection are as follows:

Over the counter medications
Many medications for the foot infection are available to treat fungal and non-fungal athlete’s foot. Medications such as miconazole (Desenex), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), tolnaftate (Tinactin), butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) are available without any prescription of the doctor. Although, it is really hard to determine which one of these medications is the most effective. These medications are also available for purchase online over the internet.

Prescription medications-
Advanced or severe cases of athlete’s foot may require some oral anti-fungal pills such as prescription strength terbinafine. These medications are prescribed by consultation of doctors to restrict the spread of the infection. The drugs such as topical prescription strength miconazole and clotrimazole, oral anti-fungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are also prescribed by the doctors. Lab tests to check for liver diseases will be done before the doctors prescribe these oral anti-fungal medications. Topical steroids are suggested for inflammatory infection to reduce the pain caused by the infection. Oral anti-biotics are suggested if raw skin and blisters are the reason for the bacterial infection. Topical steroids are not to be used in cases of fungal athlete’s foot as they help the fungus in spreading further by suppressing the immune system of the body. Topical steroid creams are more useful in treating non-fungal or non-infectious athlete’s foot. During pregnancy it is suggested that the patient should avoid anti-fungal pills because of possible harm to the fetus or other side effects that may take place.

Home Remedies-
Use of tea tree oil has been proven really helpful in treating athlete’s foot in recent years. But, it is suggested that the individual first confirms with their doctor that the use of tea tree oil won’t affect their skin as tea tree oil causes dermatitis in some cases. There are also other home remedies for treatment of athlete’s foot such as soaking your foot in dilute vinegar or use of dilute vinegar spray (four parts water and one-part household white vinegar), soaking the foot in diluted Clorox or taking a dilute Clorox bath (approximately one-fourth cup of Clorox household bleach in a tub of water). Other unconfirmed remedies also include use of Epsom salts and Vicks vapor rub.

Complications Related to Athlete’s foot-
Athlete’s foot can cause complications in some cases. Minor complications include allergic infection due to fungus, blistering on the feet and hands. The fungal infection can also return even after being treated. More severe complications make take place in case of secondary bacterial infection. These complications include foot getting swollen, hot and painful, fever, drainage and pus. The infection might even spread further to other parts of the body if not treated in the early stages. Fungal nail infection (Onychomycosis) is also highly possible to take place because of the athlete’s foot. Groin infection (tinea cruris) and Body skin fungus (tinea corporis) may as well take place. Individuals with diseases that affect the immune system such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and diabetes will be prone to many kinds of infections. Athlete’s foot fungal infections with diabetes may cause severe ulcers on the body of the patient. Bacterial infection may cause cellulitis or inflammation of the skin of the patient. Use of topical steroid creams weakens the patient’s immune system which can result in other infection to take place.

Prevention of Athlete’s foot-
There are many things an individual can do to avoid athlete’s foot such as maintaining proper hygiene and washing your feet with water and soap and drying them off properly every day. The area between the toes should be cleaned and dried off thoroughly.

Use anti-fungal powder for your feet every day.

Disinfecting your shoes by using disinfectant sprays and wipes. Do not share your towels, socks and shoes with others as this might result in spread of the infection. Wear sock and footwear made of breathable fibers and material that also wicks away the moisture from your feet.

Change your socks and shoes whenever your feet start to sweat. staying bare foot or in footwear like slippers is suggested at home to air out your feet and remove the moisture. Moisture helps the spread of fungus, to prevent athlete’s foot keep your feet clean and moisture free. Change between two or more different pair of shoes every other day to let each pair dry out between uses.

Make sure family members with athlete’s foot are treated to avoid the spread of the infection to other family members.

Jock itch is a fungal infection that affects the skin of your genitals, inner thighs and buttocks.

Symptoms of Jock itch-

Itching and rashes in your genitals, inner thighs and buttocks

The center of the rash may have a red-brown color

The edge of the rash may have bumps that look like blisters

Burning sensation in affected areas

Flaking, peeling or cracking skin in your groin

Causes of Jock itch-

Jock itch is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. It can spread from person to person by shared use of contaminated towels or clothing or through direct contact during sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection.

Your doctor can tell if you have jock itch after asking questions about your symptoms and past health and by looking at your rash. Your doctor takes skin scrapings or samples from the infected area and views them under a microscope.

Precautions & Prevention of Jock itch-

Keep your groin area dry

Shower or bathe daily and after exercising

Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot

Don’t let others use your clothing, towels or other personal items

Control any athlete’s foot infection to prevent its spread to the groin

Homeopathic treatment of jock itch helps in the intolerable itching and profuse perspiration. It quickly cures fungal infection. Some of the homeopathic remedies that can be used for treatment of jock itch are:

Sulphur

Calcarea

Cinn

Rhus R

Graph

Acupuncture and Acupressure Treatment of Jock itch-

Acupuncture relieves by improving the physiological function of the organs and organ system. In acupuncture therapist will first diagnose the case on the basis of energy system or chi blockage as well as on the basis of status of five elements. On this basis certain disease specific acupoints are selected and stimulated.

Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help in stress relief. They can help in better coping and early relief.

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Jock itch-

In the allopathic treatment, antifungal medications are prescribed. Topical medications such as econazole and oxiconazole are applied twice a day for at least 10 days. Oral medications are itraconazole fluconazole or terbinafine.

Full scale or just a patch, skin irritation on the penis can be a cause for concern and often results in a loss of focus and an extra helping of discomfort. It's also not something a man tends to want to show off while "entertaining." Here's the good news - most causes of an irritated penis can be easily remedied and are nothing to worry about. Here are five common reasons for skin irritation on the penis and how to fix the lil' fella right up.

1) Genital Area Infections - Nobody in the world likes to cuddle more than fungus. Give it a nice, warm, moist place to curl up, like the folds of the genital skin, and it will nestle right in. To keep jock itch and his other fungi friends out of the area, keep the genital area clean and dry. Post-invasion see a doctor for an anti-fungal cream to clear up the infection. To prevent future fungal shack-ups, shower regularly, clean thoroughly and keep the area dry and airy.

2) Too Much of a Good Thing - Too much sex or self-gratification may seem harmless, but it can result in red, cracking, irritated, penile skin. Unless a man likes that pins-and-needles feeling on his irritated penis, stop all activity immediately until the skin is back to normal. To get it back to soft and supple, use cool compresses to soothe the irritation and a penis health crème to repair and renew the skin. When all is good, be sure to practice moderation in all things and to use a good, water-based lubricant for especially energetic sensual shenanigans.

3) Latex Condoms - Something like 15% of all Americans is allergic to latex so a skin irritation on the penis due to latex is not at all uncommon. Now, the fix isn't to stop using condoms (no dice, buddy), but it is to look for alternative condoms like polyurethane or polyisoprene which protect against STIs and pregnancy without the latex. To help the irritation, follow the same rules as in #2.

4) Balanitis - Balanitis is a skin inflammation which impacts the penis head and foreskin and is experienced more often by uncircumcised men. It's caused by a build-up of smegma. Smegma is a stinky concoction of dead skin cells, body oils, and bacteria that marinate into an especially odorific off-white paste which harkens to bacteria to infect the delicate penile skin. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis is regular and thorough cleaning of the penis daily with a gentle cleanser. If the issue is out of control (such as the foreskin will not retract), a physician will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection.

5) Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Cut and dry, an irritated penis can be a symptom of an STI. Several STIs manifest as a skin irritation on the penis and can be accompanied by a rash, blisters and peeling skin. STIs associated with an irritated penis include genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, and syphilis. Men who believe they may have contracted an STI should see their doctor or clinic immediately for testing and avoid any sexual contact until the results of the test are known. Once diagnosed, a doctor will prescribe the course of treatment.

Avert an Irritated Penis with These Tips

Most skin irritations on the penis can be prevented with good genital hygiene habits and practicing safe sex. Grooming should include cleansing the penis regularly and thoroughly with a mild cleanser and soft cloth. Keep the groin area dry and air it out frequently - many men prefer to sleep in the buff to give the area plenty of oxygen.

Habitually moisturizing the penis is also a critical step in penis health. Use a specially created penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) for a clean, renewed, and supple penis. These cremes are nutrient-rich and contain vitamins like A, C, D, and E which have properties especially advantageous for penile health and healing, which is ideal for keeping an irritated penis at bay. The crème's base should be a natural moisturizer, like Shea butter, which leaves the penile skin completely hydrated and smooth.

At some point in his life, every man deals with a penis rash. It might be a recurring event for some, especially during the summer when jock itch becomes more difficult to avoid. It might happen right after introducing something new into the daily routine, like something as simple as trying out a new laundry detergent. In other words, a penis rash is so common that men can actually become accustomed to seeing it.

Unfortunately, that means that sometimes a man can become so familiar with penis rash that they don't even think about consulting a physician or looking deeper into the issue. Though most penile problems are quite easily remedied, especially with excellent penis care on a regular basis, some rare issues might be cause for concern. Here's how to know when a penis rash is something to worry about.

Jock itch can be defined as a fungal infection affecting the skin, especially around the inner thighs, genitals, buttocks or the groin region. Also called ‘tinea cruris’, this condition triggers irritation that results from the ring-shaped red rashes that primarily affect the warm and moist regions of one’s body. This condition majorly affects people who sweat excessively, such as athletes or even people who are over-weight. Although it is often bothersome and uncomfortable, jock itch doesn’t bring about severe complications for the affected individual. Jock itch can easily be cured by keeping the groin region dry and applying topical anti-fungal medications.

Symptoms:

The main symptoms of Jym itch include itchy and painful rashes in the buttock, inner thigh or the groin region. The rash is usually tan, red or brown in color, slightly scaly and often formed at the edges.

Causes:

Putting on damp, wet or unlaundered clothing, such as athletic supporter and very tight underwear or wearing them frequently.

Sharing towels that were used by a person suffering from the same condition.

Anti-fungal creams or lotions can help treat ringworm of the groin. Few examples are Miconazole, Econazole, Clotrimazole and Ketoconazole. These medications should be applied twice a day for about two to four weeks.

In case the eruptions start to ooze fluids or pus, antibiotics may be administered by the doctor.

Jock itch can be defined as a fungal infection affecting the skin, especially around the inner thighs, genitals, buttocks or the groin region. Also called ‘tinea cruris’, this condition triggers irritation that results from the ring-shaped red rashes that primarily affect the warm and moist regions of one’s body. This condition majorly affects people who sweat excessively, such as athletes or even people who are over-weight. Although it is often bothersome and uncomfortable, jock itch doesn’t bring about severe complications for the affected individual. Jock itch can easily be cured by keeping the groin region dry and applying topical anti-fungal medications.

Symptoms:

The main symptoms of Jym itch include itchy and painful rashes in the buttock, inner thigh or the groin region. The rash is usually tan, red or brown in color, slightly scaly and often formed at the edges.

Causes:

Putting on damp, wet or unlaundered clothing, such as athletic supporter and very tight underwear or wearing them frequently.

Sharing towels that were used by a person suffering from the same condition.

Anti-fungal creams or lotions can help treat ringworm of the groin. Few examples are Miconazole, Econazole, Clotrimazole and Ketoconazole. These medications should be applied twice a day for about two to four weeks.

In case the eruptions start to ooze fluids or pus, antibiotics may be administered by the doctor.

Tinea Cruris is also called as jock itch which is a type of fungal infection that affects a person's groin area who are mostly adult.

This disorder is caused by a fungus named as dermatophytes and it results into a circle around the affected area which resembles a ring. Severe irritation and itchiness can be experienced due to this and the affected area turns red. Sometimes the ring looks like a worm and therefore, many people term this infection as “ringworm”. Even though it is easily curable, the fungus may spread and affect other parts of the body as well or result into serious damage to the skin surface as well. Hence, proper medications and treatment should be opted for-

Causes- The causes of Tinea Cruris are very common and it can also contaminate if brought in contact with others.

Here are some of the causes of this disorder -

● The fungus grows on the skin which is moist and warm therefore affecting the people who tend to sweat a lot and also overweight.

● Tight clothing and hot weather can also lead to the development of this fungus in different areas of the body which does not stay cool.

● The fungus can be spread to other people if it is brought in contact by any medium such as towels, floors, toilet seats etc.

If a person does not takes a bath and clean him or herself for a long time, then the fungus tends to grow and spread on their skin.

Symptoms- The symptoms of Tinea Cruris are easily identifiable and therefore if you observe any of them, immediately visit a doctor and ask for good medication.

● Inflammation in the groin region, anal area, and also around the upper thigh.

● Slightly raised patch of skin might be observed.

● Dry or scaly blisters may develop in the above-mentioned areas which may also burst at certain times and may be painful.

● A very abnormally dark or light skin tone may develop in the affected areas.

● Skin redness or itchiness is very common.

So here are the potential symptoms that you must keep an eye for. The symptoms should not be neglected because the fungus may have a negative impact on your health and also around the surrounding skin areas.

Treatment With Homeopathy-

Jock itch can be easily treated with homeopathic medicines and other ingredients. Homeopathy creams and ointments made of different natural anti-bacterial ingredients are the best for this kind of disorders. The cream will eliminate the germs and fungus growth around the region which was causing such a problem. However, other homeopathy medicines can also be used to treat the affected area and give relief to the symptoms of Tinea Cruris.

Although scratching the crotch is perfectly acceptable when knocking back a few brews in a man cave with the guys, it's not something that wins a fellow a lot of points when giving a business presentation or when out on a date. Yet there are times when the urge to itch is so strong that there's little a guy can do but give a surreptitious little scratch and hope no one notices. This is especially true when a dude has come down with a bad case of dreaded jock itch and feels like all he wants to do is put his hands down his pants and scratch away for a couple of hours. Since jock itch is such a nuisance, it's wise to practice prevention strategies for avoiding it.

The following may help.

- Don't share towels with a bud. Whether at the gym or at home, it's important to use a clean towel when drying off from the shower. Jock itch is a fungus spread through direct contact - meaning it's not airborne. A man has to come into physical contact with it. Using a towel that another guy has used means one person might pass the fungus to the other. This is especially important at the gym. Often, guys hang their towels on a row of hooks while they shower - and it's easy to forget whose towel is whose, so pay attention when hanging up that towel.

- Don't share underwear either. Seriously, going commando is usually a better option than borrowing some briefs from a bro. It's just too personal. Besides, he may claim that he's washed his underwear in hot soapy water - but a lot of guys fudge the truth when it comes to how much laundry they do. Wearing boxers that have been clinging to a crotch with jock itch is a disaster waiting to happen.

- Use a towel in the sauna. Hanging out naked in the sauna or steam room after a good workout really helps relax the muscles. But other guys have been sitting there naked too, and if any of them had jock itch... well, need we say more? Bringing a towel to spread out and sit on is excellent prevention.

- Wear a condom. Jock itch often starts from sleeping with a woman who has a yeast infection. Wearing a condom is one of the most important prevention strategies in such cases.

- Beware of athlete's foot. The fungus that causes jock itch is the same as that behind athlete's foot - so if a guy has athlete's foot, he needs to avoid touching his feet and then touching his penis.

- Give the penis an airing. Jock itch thrives in warm, moist conditions, so it benefits a guy to let his penis have fresh air regularly. Sleeping in the buff is an easy way to do this, or just walking around the house naked for an hour or two on a regular basis.

- Stay loose. Tight fitting clothing may accentuate a guy's physique, but if the pants and underwear are too tight, it makes more heat and moisture, which encourages jock itch. Go for boxers rather than briefs and trousers that don't cling directly to the crotch.

- Shower and dry. Shower frequently to keep the skin clean - and dry it thoroughly.

Taking prevention tips to heart can decrease the odds of getting jock itch, but sometimes the yeasty beast comes for a visit anyway. The penis will better meet this danger if it's in its best health; daily use of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help maintain that health. For best results, make sure the crème contains a wide range of vitamins, including the all-important A, B5, C, D and E. In addition, the crème needs to feature L-carnitine, an amino acid with valuable neuroprotective properties that help ensure continued sensitivity in the penis.

There's no doubt that regular exercise is good for the mind and body. But a regular gym goer has a host of penis problems that they're more susceptible to than those sitting on the couch. Between less than sanitary conditions, communal bathrooms and lots of sweat, your typical gym is ripe with bacteria that can leave your penis vulnerable to discomfort. But with a little knowledge, many of the most common penis problems found at the gym are easily diagnosable and treatable.

Here are the three most common penis problems found at the gym and how you can solve them:

1) Yeast Infection - Most commonly thought of as a female health problem, men can also find themselves with a yeast infection, especially if they're frequenting the gym. This type of infection is caused by a fungus called candida. While candida is usually present on the body and perfectly healthy, an overgrowth of it can be the cause of a penile yeast infection. Symptoms of a male yeast infection typically includes itching and a burning sensation accompanied by a red rash or white, shiny patches on the penis. In some cases, a thick white substance may be present.

Candida thrives in dark, warm and moist conditions, making it essential to change out of sweaty gym clothes as soon as your exercise is over. Spending the day in used gym clothes can make one very susceptive to this common problem. Curing a male yeast infection will require an over the counter antifungal crème.

2) "Jock Itch" - Tinea cruris, the fungus behind "jock itch," is another common ailment for the regular exerciser. Like candida, tinea cruris flourishes in dark, warm and moist areas, making the groin and inner thighs especially vulnerable after a vigorous workout. Because tinea cruris is a form of ringworm, it has a distinct mark, making it easy to identify and diagnose. A man dealing with "jock itch" will suffer from a red, scaly, circular rash with raised edges that often itches and burns.

Like yeast infections, "jock itch" can be easily avoided by swapping soiled gym clothes with fresh, clean options after a workout. It's also essential not to share damp towels or be in close contact with others that may be experiencing tinea cruris. Over the counter antifungal crèmes will clear up this very common infection.

3) Chafing - In and out of the gym, penis chafing is a common problem that affects many men. However, gym conditions can make active men particular vulnerable to this uncomfortable condition. Damp skin is more likely to cause friction, making excessive sweat a top culprit for a chafed penis. Unlike yeast infections or jock itch, penis chafing is marked by red, flakey skin and, while uncomfortable, won't cause the acute itching and burning common with infections.

To combat chafing, opt for looser, breathable clothing. Synthetic materials tend to be best as cotton can trap moisture. In the case of chafing, a delicate moisturizer can also be applied to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. A cool compress with a clean, dampened towel can also quickly relieve irritation caused by chafing.

Relieving symptoms

While waiting for an antifungal crème to work, those afflicted with a yeast infection or jock itch can quickly relieve their symptoms. Delicately wash the infected area with warm water and a mild soap. If the infection is particularly severe, just water will work as soap may irritate the area even more. After washing, gently pat the area dry and apply a high-quality penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) designed to soothe and protect the sensitive penis area. While penis problems at the gym are common, they don't have to get in the way of an active lifestyle.

There's no doubt that regular exercise is good for the mind and body. But a regular gym goer has a host of penis problems that they're more susceptible to than those sitting on the couch. Between less than sanitary conditions, communal bathrooms and lots of sweat, your typical gym is ripe with bacteria that can leave your penis vulnerable to discomfort. But with a little knowledge, many of the most common penis problems found at the gym are easily diagnosable and treatable.

Here are the three most common penis problems found at the gym and how you can solve them:

1) Yeast Infection - Most commonly thought of as a female health problem, men can also find themselves with a yeast infection, especially if they're frequenting the gym. This type of infection is caused by a fungus called candida. While candida is usually present on the body and perfectly healthy, an overgrowth of it can be the cause of a penile yeast infection. Symptoms of a male yeast infection typically includes itching and a burning sensation accompanied by a red rash or white, shiny patches on the penis. In some cases, a thick white substance may be present.

Candida thrives in dark, warm and moist conditions, making it essential to change out of sweaty gym clothes as soon as your exercise is over. Spending the day in used gym clothes can make one very susceptive to this common problem. Curing a male yeast infection will require an over the counter antifungal crème.

2) "Jock Itch" - Tinea cruris, the fungus behind "jock itch," is another common ailment for the regular exerciser. Like candida, tinea cruris flourishes in dark, warm and moist areas, making the groin and inner thighs especially vulnerable after a vigorous workout. Because tinea cruris is a form of ringworm, it has a distinct mark, making it easy to identify and diagnose. A man dealing with "jock itch" will suffer from a red, scaly, circular rash with raised edges that often itches and burns.

Like yeast infections, "jock itch" can be easily avoided by swapping soiled gym clothes with fresh, clean options after a workout. It's also essential not to share damp towels or be in close contact with others that may be experiencing tinea cruris. Over the counter antifungal crèmes will clear up this very common infection.

3) Chafing - In and out of the gym, penis chafing is a common problem that affects many men. However, gym conditions can make active men particular vulnerable to this uncomfortable condition. Damp skin is more likely to cause friction, making excessive sweat a top culprit for a chafed penis. Unlike yeast infections or jock itch, penis chafing is marked by red, flakey skin and, while uncomfortable, won't cause the acute itching and burning common with infections.

To combat chafing, opt for looser, breathable clothing. Synthetic materials tend to be best as cotton can trap moisture. In the case of chafing, a delicate moisturizer can also be applied to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. A cool compress with a clean, dampened towel can also quickly relieve irritation caused by chafing.

Relieving symptoms

While waiting for an antifungal crème to work, those afflicted with a yeast infection or jock itch can quickly relieve their symptoms. Delicately wash the infected area with warm water and a mild soap. If the infection is particularly severe, just water will work as soap may irritate the area even more. After washing, gently pat the area dry and apply a high-quality penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) designed to soothe and protect the sensitive penis area. While penis problems at the gym are common, they don't have to get in the way of an active lifestyle.